Virtual Insanity Meets Virtual Mini: Jamiroquai teams up with Mini for On-line Charity Auction

In the run-up to the launch of the New Mini, the car is teaming up with a number of leading celebrities and artists to produce specially designed one-off 'Star Cars'.

Jay Kay, of the world's funkiest band, Jamiroquai is the first artist to design a car for this series and has stamped the little wonder in his trademark style. The car will be auctioned on Mini.com from April 25, with proceeds going to the star's nominated charities, NAV, the National Anti Vivisection Society and St.Tiggywinkles, a wildlife hospital trust.

Jay's car features his trademark Jamiroquai 'buffalo man' in silhouette repeating on the doors and rear quarter panels with the distinctive head logo appearing on the bonnet. Signed by the star and showing 'Jamiromini' side decals, the car's lustrous paintwork graduates from light blue to purple.

The 'Travelling Without Moving' star is thrilled with the project. Talking about his design he said; "I have always fancied myself as a car designer and to get the chance to work with such a classic design as Mini was a dream come true. I wanted to put as much of myself in the car as I could and the fact that it's all for a good cause is really great too."

Those wishing to bid for the car can make a submission at www.mini.com. A 'Betting Shop' will be open on the site from April 25 to May 9 where users can make a closed bid for the car. The closed bids will be counted against the highest bid from the actual on-line auction, which lasts for two weeks from May 9 to May 23.